This slow cooker no Bean chili proves that skipping the beans doesn’t mean skipping flavor.
Imagine walking into your home and being greeted by the irresistible aroma of a hearty chili – ready when you are. This warm, hearty slow cooker no bean chili makes dinner feel comforting and effortless. Packed with tender chicken thighs, this no bean chicken chili is rich, savory, and perfect for anyone avoiding beans or craving a protein-packed meal. Made entirely in the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors meld together while you focus on everything else. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner, meal prep for the week, or a crowd-pleasing dish for family and friends, this chili is easy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
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Ingredients You’ll Need For This Slow Cooker No Bean Chicken Chili
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be ready to make an easy, flavorful batch of slow cooker no bean chicken chili.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Salt
- Green bell pepper
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Diced tomatoes
- Chunky salsa
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
With just a few quick steps, your slow cooker will handle the rest. Here’s exactly how to make this flavorful no bean chicken chili – that I adapted from Crockpot Slow Cooker Bible by Publications International Ltd. – from start to finish.
Step 1 – Prep chicken and combine with spices.
Cut the raw chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Then mix the chicken pieces in the slow cooker with the spices – chili powder, ground cumin, and salt. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated.
Step 2 – Chop vegetables and add to chicken.
Dice the green bell pepper. Chop up the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Add them all to the slow cooker and mix well.
Step 3 – Stir in tomatoes and salsa.
Next, add the diced tomatoes with juice and the salsa. Stir it all together.
Step 4 – Cook and serve!
Finally, cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Serve the chili in bowls with any toppings you like such as ripe avocado, shredded cheese, green onions, or chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker No Bean Chili
There are many reasons to love this slow cooker no bean chili! Here’s why it will become one of your new go-to meals:
- Effortless and hands-off – Aside from cutting up the chicken and chopping the vegetables, this slow cooker no bean chili practically makes itself – just add the ingredients, set it, and come home to a delicious home-cooked meal.
- Rich and flavorful – Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps this chili tender and satisfying while staying lighter and bean-free.
- Great for busy schedules – Whether you’re dealing with a hectic weekday or planning ahead for easy meal prep, this no bean chicken chili fits perfectly into your busy life.
- Family-approved – Everyone can customize their bowl with their favorite toppings for a dinner that pleases the whole family!
- Great for leftovers – This slow cooker chili tastes even better the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About this Slow Cooker No Bean Chicken Chili
If you’re wondering how to customize, store, or tweak this recipe, these FAQs cover everything you need to know about making and enjoying this no bean chicken chili.
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just fine in this recipe. Chicken thighs just add a bit more flavor and stay extra tender after hours in the slow cooker.
This recipe is mild as written, but add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes for more of a kick.
It’s best to use thawed chicken for food safety reasons, since frozen chicken can take too long to reach a safe temperature in the slow cooker. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Yes! This chicken chili is a good meal to freeze. Let it cool completely, then store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
It can be! This recipe is naturally low in carbs since it doesn’t use beans. Just double-check your toppings and any sides.
Definitely. You can cut back on the salsa if you prefer a thicker consistency. You can also remove the lid at the very end of cooking, such as the last 30 minutes, to let some liquid evaporate, but just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
Below is the recipe, adapted, from Crockpot Slow Cooker Bible by Publications International Ltd..
Slow Cooker No Bean Chili
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 small onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
- 16 oz chunky salsa
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and combine in the slow cooker with the spices – chili powder, cumin, and salt. Make sure the chicken is coated.
- Dice the bell pepper. Chop up the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Add to the slow cooker and mix well.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juice) and the salsa. Mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Serve in bowls and serve with the toppings of your choice.
This slow cooker no bean chili is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to.
It’s comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully simple. With just a few minutes of prep and your slow cooker doing the rest, dinner practically makes itself. Whether you’re serving it up on a chilly evening, doubling it for meal prep, or freezing leftovers for later, this chili is an easy win for busy days. Grab your ingredients, set it, and enjoy a bowl of hearty goodness that makes everyone happy around the table.
If you’re looking for more nourishing meals that fit into your busy life, be sure to explore my other dinner recipe blog posts:
- Juicy Skillet Pork Chops
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker Italian Pot Roast
- Healthy Steak Salad
- Spice-Rubbed Grilled Pork Chops with Carrots
- Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
- Slow Cooker Herbed Pork Roast
- Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken
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